Martha Olawale

“The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8

Like many Christians, after my salvation, I expected a wave of the wand to disperse all my troubles. My bags were packed for a long journey, vacationing with Jesus. I was sure I would start riding on a boat without waves under it or clouds above it. I mistook the satisfaction my soul felt at the instance I accepted Christ to be a ticket to live without another tug at my heart or attack on my life. I was ready to live in the clouds and not shed a single tear till I die.

It took just a few steps into the race to realize my misconception. Although my hope was steadfast and my joy somehow was unabated, it was definitely not a ride without storms. I prayed for my sick mother and expected instant healing and got none; I asked for an ovation for choosing a life devoted to growing in Christ but got an uproar instead. As I looked closer, I saw war raging all around me and realized the miracles of my salvation were more than what man could give me. It was the joy, peace, hope, grace, honor, and strength I had when I thought I could not take one more step.

Being saved doesn’t commit God to extract us from the battlefield; It commits Him to fight for us on the battlefield. It’s His presence that makes the difference. God stands by what He said, like the certainty of the air that keeps us breathing. The role He plays in the lives of His children, although convoluted by man’s misconceptions, can’t be more forthright. He promises to guide us through the best path in life and is a present Father who never leaves. He is constant in and out of seasons, regardless of the height, depth, width, or magnitude of what we face.

Don’t believe the lies; God might often not speak explicitly to His children; He guides us always with loving-kindness. Although, for our souls to hear God clearer, we must lower the volume of the familiar voices in our heads to be cognizant of His presence. You might even need to change the dial of the compass with which you live because your predetermined conclusion might not be God’s perfect will for you. What God said must always sound like God, not a man-made version of God. Even amid a battle, His voice will bring peace to your heart and soul. He will remind you of the magnitude of His love through the death of Christ and sprinkle on you the hope and pleasure that comes from walking with the Most High.